Welcome to your aging in place guide

A resource for older adults and community partners to find ideas and tips for building strong, supportive communities.

The NORC Ambassadors Program

The NORC Ambassadors program supports older adults who want to come together with neighbours to make their communities better places to age.

The program offers free tools, workbooks and support from the NORC Innovation Centre (NIC) to help you get started and take action. You can also connect with other Ambassadors to share ideas, learn from each other and see what’s working in communities across the country.

What do NORC Ambassadors do?

At the heart of the program are NORC Ambassadors — neighbours who bring people together, build connections and help make things happen in their communities. Here are some examples of what Ambassadors do:

Bring neighbours together

Coffee clubs and social gatherings help neighbours meet, connect and support one another.

Support health & wellbeing

Walking clubs, fitness classes and community meals help neighbours stay active and well.

Connect to resources

Health talks and workshops connect neighbours with useful information, local organizations and healthcare partners.

Ways to connect to the Ambassadors Program:

Join monthly talks

Join our monthly NORC Talks on Zoom to learn and strengthen your initiative.

Build practical skills
Share ideas and experiences
Learn about programs and partners

Connect with peers

Join the NORC Talks Community Forum to connect with other Ambassadors.

Post questions and share learnings
Build your network

Join the NORC Talks Community Forum

Get staff support

Book time with the ‘Help Desk’ Team for:

One-on-one support for your aging in place efforts
Advice and problem-solving when you need it

Get resources & tools

Use our NORC Ambassadors Workbooks for:

Step-by-step guidance to start your aging in place initiative
Tips for sustaining your initiative
Tools, templates and guides

Explore and download the workbooks

Looking for more ideas and inspiration?

The Idea Bank is a growing library of community-building activities to help bring your aging in place initiative to life. Explore ideas, find what fits your community and make them your own.

Explore the Idea Bank

Share your experience with us!

Have our resources helped you start or grow an aging in place initiative in your community? We'd love to hear what you've been doing and celebrate your work.